Double Glazing Door Lock Repairs
Have you noticed that your uPVC window or door mechanism deteriorated? Perhaps the window or door handles aren't aligned properly or are hard to use.
It's important that the double glazed doors work smoothly, otherwise you'll be wasting energy and increase the likelihood of burglary. Owen the Locksmith can repair your door lock for reasonable costs.
Snapped Key
If a key is snapped off in a lock, it could be extremely annoying. It could also be an issue for security, since the door may not be locked and make you vulnerable to burglars. There are a few quick solutions you can use to fix the problem and make your door work again.
The first step is to remain calm. If you panic and begin playing around with your keys you may end up pushing the broken piece of the key deeper into the lock, which could make the situation even more difficult.
Then, spray WD-40 or another penetrating oil into the lock to aid in making the broken piece slide out more easily. You can also employ a screwdriver in order to break up any stuck pieces that might be blocking the way. If you happen to have a small piece of the key that is hanging out it, you can make use of a paperclip or other thin metal object to grab it and pull it out. Both methods work, but you must be careful not to push the damaged key piece further into the keyway.
Some paperclips have grooved edges that can work in a pinch as hook extractors and some jigsaw blades are also suitable for this function. If you don't happen to have one of these tools, you can bend a hook using needle-nosed pliers. You can also use a pair of tweezers grasp and pull out the last piece of broken keys.
If you cannot remove the broken key piece Use a lock deicer. It's available at most hardware stores and is used to freeze any moisture present inside the lock.
If none of these solutions seem to work, it might be time to call a locksmith. Fitlocks specialists are able to quickly solve problems with uPVC door mechanisms and locks, including snapped keys and broken handles. They can also modify your double glazing door mechanisms to make them easier to operate. You can request a double-glazing repair online or call us to discuss your requirements.
Broken Cylinder
A damaged cylinder could pose a serious security risk. A locksmith professional can repair the cylinder. To fix the cylinder locksmiths will need to tap it. This can be done using the hammer or other tool. However, double glazing window repairs is to make use of a wire or a long match. Then, position the match's tip or wire in the keyway. The locksmith will strike the lock to crack it open. This is much safer than using a heavy hammer, which could cause damage to the lock.
Overheating is the main reason for cylinder heads to crack. This can occur when the cylinder block and cylinder head are made from different metals, such as cast iron and aluminium. When different metals heat up and cool down at different rates, it could cause localised hotspots that expand faster than the rest of the head of the cylinder, leading to cracks.
Another possible cause for cylinder cracks is corrosion. If the head and block of a cylinder are not maintained in a timely manner, they can corrosion or rust, which can cause them to expand more than expected. This can cause cracks as time passes.
If your uPVC window or door lock is stiff and requires more pressure to turn, it could be due to a variety of reasons. This issue could result from a defective locking mechanism, or misalignment and also a worn out handle.
Fortunately, this is an easy and inexpensive fix for most homeowners of double glazing. A professional locksmith will usually be able to resolve this problem within an hour of arriving at your property. Depending on the needs of your home they will be able to replace the locking mechanism, change the window handles, and change the gearboxes. A locksmith with experience can always advise you on the most cost-effective solution for your home. They can recommend upgrading to 3 Star TS007 Euro Cylinders which offer an additional security layer from burglars. It's a small price to get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your uPVC door is secured.
Broken Handle
Window handle locks have complex mechanisms that deteriorate with time and use, so it's not a surprise they occasionally break. If yours is damaged it may be difficult to pinpoint the cause of the issue and make sure that you repair it correctly.
Repairing your damaged handle, whether it's an internal latch or locking mechanism can increase the security of your uPVC door and prevent draughts. If you do not repair or replace your handle can be costly and may cause damage to the door's frame and lock It is therefore worth taking some time to make sure you do it right.
Screwdriver Open the window remove the screw that holds the handle. The screw should be on the inside of the back plate, which is usually concealed by an aesthetically pleasing cover for the screw reasons. It is not recommended to lose any internal parts of the handle, such as the levers and plates on either side. Keep them in the same arrangement to make it simpler to replace them in the event of a need.
Then, using an additional screwdriver loosen the screw that connects the handle with the spindle on the back. Once the screw is removed, you should be able to pull the handle off and pull out the broken spindle. Replace it with a brand new spindle, making sure it's the same length (you can purchase them online or at hardware stores). Securely screw it in the correct position. Don't over tighten the screw as this can harm the handle as well as the window frame.
Ensure the new handle is correctly fitted Close the window and test the handle. It should operate smoothly, and you will be able to open your windows once again.
While you're working on the handle, make sure to make sure your uPVC windows are closing properly. If they don't cause damp and draughts inside your home, as well as compromising your home's energy efficiency. Core Sash Windows is a local window company that can alter the hinges of your window frames to ensure that they shut properly.
Broken Spindle
It is more typical for the spindle to break than the handle. This is particularly common with uPVC tilt-and-turn windows. These windows require a handle that acts as an locking device within the frame of the window. The handle is connected to a rod in the centre that in turn activates mushroom-like locking cams, these lock into window frame keeps. If the dead latch mechanism fails to open when the handle is turned, it is likely that the spindle is broken, this can be an extremely frustrating issue.
There are ways to fix this issue. A professional locksmith will be able to quickly and effectively address this problem. A good locksmith can disassemble the handle of the window by using a tool that removes the wheel from the area that houses the spindle. This is done without damaging the handle or causing any other damage to the window frame.
Once the wheel is removed, the technician will inspect the spindle to determine what caused it to break. This involves disassembling the spindle and inspecting every component, observing any wear or damage. The process is carried out in a clean, well-lit room by highly skilled technicians.
The next step is to clean the damaged spindle. This will remove any debris or dirt that could be hindering its normal functioning. After that, the spindle could be repaired or replaced. If it is replaced, the technician could use an identical dowel size to the original and drill mating holes into both pieces of the spindle. This will ensure that the spindle is perfectly matched with the handle.
If the spindle is damaged and cannot be repaired it may need to be replaced entirely. Home centers sell generic replacements, but if your window design is unique you'll require contacting an expert in woodworking or cabinet making who can replicate the exact component. Once the new spindle has been installed it can be attached to the handle by line up the holes for screws in the handle and the frame existing screws. Once the handle is seated, you can operate your uPVC windows.